• July 30, 2010

Chevrolet says it is the first automaker to pilot an app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad that allows salespeople to help customers research trim levels, options and financing and search vehicles in dealer inventory.

The General Motors division says it plans a nationwide rollout to Chevrolet dealers this fall. The Chevrolet Dealer app, which features the lineup of Chevrolet cars, trucks and crossovers lets a salesperson help a customer pick interior and exterior colors, search for a matching vehicle in the dealership's inventory and look up offers that can be applied to the purchase or lease.

"Chevrolet Dealer allows us to spend less time behind our desks and more time on the showroom floor with our customers," said Joel Smith, retail operations manager at Hendrick Chevrolet in Cary, N.C., where the pilot began July 9. "Our customers have been wowed when we are able to show them video and help them choose options, all on the iPhone."

Chevrolet says the app also allows salespeople to submit and retrieve quotes. The new app complements the Chevrolet Showroom shopping app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, which is designed to let consumers research and locate a car, truck or crossover.